Imo Police Boss, Lakanu Soars High In U.S.

IMO State Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Frederick Lakanu, was among the few police officers from Nigeria honoured in Houston, Texas, United States (US) recently, as the ‘Most Outstanding Crime Fighter in West and Sub Sahara Africa’ courtesy of Security Watch Africa (SWA).

The event, which held at the Houston North Hilton Hotel, hosted leaders and top security experts in Africa, with the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, who presented the award to Lakanu, Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy, as Special Guest of Honour.

Born in Lagos State in 1959, Lakanu attended Yaba Model Primary School and Eko Boys High School for his school certificate and CMS Grammar School for his Advance levels.

His determination to improve himself encouraged him to study Philosophy and subsequently Law at the University of Lagos and was called to the Bar in 2000.
Desirous to improve his educational standing, he proceeded to University of Leeds in England for a Masters degree in Law.
He is a fellow of the Defence College, majoring in Strategic Management.
He enlisted as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in the Nigeria Police Force in 1986, and has served in several departments, including Operations, Investigations and Administrations.

As head of Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Lagos, Lakanu earned the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) Gallantry award for assisting in reducing the rate of crime in the state.
He also lectured Law at Police College, Ikeja from where he was appointed Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to the IGP.
Lakanu was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command and was responsible for the reduction of the crime rate and criminality in the state, especially armed robbery and kidnapping.

His courageous outing earned him promotion as Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, where he also helped to stabilise the state and provided the elusive peace in the state.

He also had a brief stint as Commissioner in charge of Airport Command before his recent deployment to Imo State.
Lakanu also attended various courses, both local and foreign, where he received high profile training.
The experiences he acquired in the course of his career helped to develop in him “a gentle sense of chivalry, a silken strength of will and a habit of independent thought and action.”

A man of proven integrity, tested and trusted, Lakanu could aptly be described as a thoroughbred professional with a very sharp intellect.
His commitment to professional excellence and the exemplary leadership he provided wherever he went has helped to restore honour, trust and credibility to the force.

His knack for thoroughness in the discharge of his duties is legendary, and the remarkable power and clarity with which he expounds his vision exceptional.
Lakanu cherishes sincerity, humility, honesty, courage, justice and dedication to professionalism. He is a man of his words and clearly understands that leaders are as good as their word.

He has established himself as a congenital hater of corruption and distinguished himself as one hardly moved by the allure of office and what others may consider monetary attraction.

Lakanu is the Akogun (the warrior) of Lagos; Oba Onigbagbe (meaning the man people) of Oyo Kingdom;
Onwa Na etiri oha (meaning the moon that shines) of Imo State, which was bestowed on him by Eze Leo Nwokocha of Umuneato in Aboh-Mbaise; Agunaechemba of Igboland.

Governor Rochas Okorocha once described him as the messiah the people of Imo had been waiting to cleanse the crime level in the state.
To him, the recent award is a call to further service to his fatherland.